Methotrexate in the combination therapy of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract

The paper discusses whether biological agents (BAs) may be used as monotherapy. The combination of different BAs and methotrexate (MTX) allows a good result in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis refractory to standard antirheumatic therapy. The efficiency of this therapy meets the ACRpedi50 criteria in 80–90% of patients; one third of patients can achieve the inactive stage of the disease. When BAs are administered, the frequency of use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids is reduced. In only 15% of patients, MTX can be discontinued during the first year of therapy with BA, significantly more frequently with tocilizumab.

Keywords

• methotrexate
• biological therapy
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis